Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker,
WHEREAS there has been an alarming number of suicides in the Northwest Territories in 2022;
AND WHEREAS Tabled Document 649-19(2), the Office of the Chief Coroner 2021-2022 Early Release of Suicide Data Report, raised concerns about the 18 suicides so far in 2022;
AND WHEREAS the Office of the Chief Coroner did not wait until the end of the calendar year to provide data on suicide in the territory in order to elicit a territorial government response now;
AND WHEREAS the majority of those deaths by suicide is impacting youth and young adults in smaller communities;
AND WHEREAS a Department of Health and Social Services Community Suicide Prevention Fund is available by application and provides a maximum total $225,000 each year to applicants throughout the territory;
AND WHEREAS communities facing these crises require coordinated support from the Government of the Northwest Territories;
AND WHEREAS recreational opportunities are linked to better overall health and wellness, reduction of stress and depression, and resilience building against adverse situations in life;
AND WHEREAS many small communities severely lack recreational opportunities for youth which are sorely needed;
NOW THEREFORE I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Nunakput, that this Legislative Assembly calls upon the Government of the Northwest Territories to establish a suicide prevention fund of $250,000 in each region and is expedited directly to communities in crises without application.
AND FURTHER, that the Government of the Northwest Territories create a coordinated, collaborative, multi-departmental suicide prevention team, to meet with communities in crises, to assist community leadership identify suicide prevention strategies and activities as well Government of the Northwest Territories funding that communities can access;
AND FURTHERMORE, that the Government of the Northwest Territories subsidize all recreation fees in small communities and create new recreational activities for youth and young adults;
AND FURTHERMORE, the Government of the Northwest Territories provide a response to this motion within 120 days.
Thank you, Madam Speaker.